Season Preview - 2021-22 Men's Swimming & Diving

WASHINGTON, Pa. – The Washington & Jefferson College men's swimming and diving is preparing for the upcoming season under fourth-year head coach Matt Rochna. The Presidents are set to begin their season on Oct. 16 at Penn State Altoona.
 
2021 Season Review: The Presidents only swam in two regular season dual meets before placing fourth of five teams at the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) Championships.

Colin Higinbotham (Denver,Pa./Cocalico) and Nathan Smith (Fort Defiance, Va./ Fort Defiance) were the two swimmers to find the podium at PACs, earning them All-PAC Second Team designation.
"Our men's team faced challenges last season related to COVID-19 just like everyone else, but our core leaders were able to help our large incoming freshman class navigate the unusual season and perform the best they could," said head coach Matt Rochna. "We only had four weeks to prepare for PAC Championships once we got back to campus for the spring semester, but our guys made the most of it and gave it their all. They are eager to get back in the pool for a more normal season and see what they can accomplish as group."
 

2021-22 PAC Men's Swimming and Diving Preseason Coaches' Poll
School (first-place votes)	Points	2020-21 PAC Championships finish
1. Grove City College (4)	49	1st (5), 1149 points
2. Westminster College (2)	47	2nd (5), 716 points
3. Saint Vincent College	41	3rd (5), 600 points
4. Washington & Jefferson College	37	4th (5), 358 points
5. Chatham University	36	5th (5), 257 points
6. Bethany College	30	Did not compete

 
2021-22 PAC Men's Swimmers and Divers to Watch: Colin Higinbotham, Dean Kralic, and Nathan Smith

Key Returners:
Higinbotham returns as a senior for his final year with W&J. Higinbotham earned All-PAC Second Team for the second-straight season with a trio of podium appearances at PACs. Higinbotham finished fifth in the 100-yard butterfly (53.48), sixth in both the 50-yard freestyle (22.40) and the 100-yard freestyle (49.13).

"Colin has steadily cut time in his top events the past three seasons and has also really grown into the leadership role as a captain the past two years. He is someone who has consistently impressed me with his ability to be ready to race and compete on meet day, no matter how sore or tired he is," said Rochna. "There will definitely be a hole left behind that needs filled once he graduates, but we are so thankful for everything he has given to our program."

Smith had a standout freshman season, as he was the Presidents' best individual finisher and top scorer at PACs. Smith placed second in the 100-yard backstroke with a personal-best time of 53.50. Additionally, he finished fourth in the 200-yard backstroke with a season best 2:01.16.

"Nate Smith is a fierce competitor with a desire to be as successful as possible during his collegiate swimming career. He is coming off an absolutely fantastic season, while dealing with a less than ideal season," said Rochna. "He is continuing to put on lean muscle and develop his underwaters to continue to add to his skill repertoire. We are hoping for him continue to place in the top three at PACs in his individuals and the goal this year is a first-place individual finish."

Senior Nick Belofsky (Aurora, Ohio/Aurora) swam to a ninth-place finish in the 50-yard freestyle for the Presidents with a time of 23.07 and placed 10^th in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 51.02.

"Nick is someone that our coaching staff is going to miss dearly after this season. Nick is unique in the sense where he joined our team and stood out instantly as a leader; both in and out of the pool. He works his hardest in each practice, while also serving as a team captain," said Rochna. "He has a calm and collected demeanor that allows him to manage other people well, while getting them to improve and be the best versions of themselves. He balances three majors at W&J, is the SAAC President, and serves as the role model for what we continue to look for as we recruit future WJSD members."

The brother tandem of junior Andrew Edwards (Columbus, Ohio/St. Charles Prep) and sophomore Chris Edwards (Bexley, Ohio/St. Charles Prep) swam for the Presidents in addition to playing on W&J men's water-polo team. Andrew snagged 14th place in the 100-yard freestyle (53.21) while Chris placed 15th just .01 behind Andrew (53.22).

Newcomers: W&J welcomes one lone freshman into the 2021-22 season.

Jacob Davis (South Burlington, VT/ South Burlington) – distance freestyle

"Jacob Davis brings with him the ability to swim distance free, a discipline we haven't had a whole lot of student-athletes be able to fill the past three seasons," said Rochna. "In addition, he is a hard-working dual-sport athlete that is eager to contribute to our team this year."

Team Captains: Nick Belofsky, Colin Higinbotham, and Andrew Ivory

Looking at the Schedule: W&J will swim at 10 meets before they travel to Grove City for the PAC Championships that will be held Feb. 9-12.

The diving team will compete at eight dual meets and two diving invitationals at Carnegie Mellon (Nov 20-21) and Clarion (Feb 4) before the PAC Championship meet.

The swimming & diving team will open their PAC schedule on Oct. 23 at home against Bethany. W&J will then host Westminster (Oct 30), Chatham (Nov 6), Saint Vincent (Dec 4), and Franciscan (Jan 15).

Last Word: "Our men's team has a solid roster this season with versatility over several different events. The fact that they are all on campus and able to bond as a team early on in the year will undoubtedly help them to achieve their team goals this season. I'm excited to watch them compete against each other in practice to prepare for our first meet coming up in October," said Rochna. "If they are able to work-hard, be accountable, and have fun as a unit I know it will be a great season. I've watched our freshman class grow up before my eyes as leaders and I hope they have the best possible senior year at W&J."